Why eat local?One of the greatest conveniences of the modern world is the ability to transport food across long distances. Fruits and vegetables previously unheard of in America turn up in local grocery stores, and specialized shops selling international snacks can be found in many towns and cities. Unfortunately, long distance transportation of food can have a negative environmental impact. Besides the fuel required for trucks, planes, and ships, fresh meat, seafood, and produce require expensive cooling systems that use a lot of energy. If something goes wrong, the food can spoil and be ruined, contributing to food waste. Buying locally grown products cuts down on the impact of long-distance transportation, and encourages a connection between people who grow food and people who eat it. These relationships can influence what the farmer is growing, and lead to more diverse crops. Local food is also more likely to be fresh, preserving the nutrients consumers expect to get from what they eat.
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Eating local in HartfordHartford currently hosts seven different farmers’ markets, featuring fresh local food. These markets are:
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